As an education department registered nurse, I visited the ICU to observe the workflow of the unit. JoDean was caring for a critically ill patient. The patient was barely responsive and did not open her eyes. JoDean not only took great care of this patient by providing great care with handwashing, checking the IV medications and IV sites, etc., but she demonstrated compassionate and respectful CARING as I watched and listened to her speaking to the patient.

JoDean did not rush but took the time to describe everything as she went from one task to another so that the patient could anticipate actions such as being touched, repositioned, having her IV sites checked, and knowing when her nurse was in the room and when she was leaving the room. I don’t know how much this patient “heard” but I have always believed that hearing is the last to go. Whether the patient heard any of this or not, JoDean demonstrated what nursing has always meant to me, which is more than providing nursing skills but being present and respectful of the patient as a person.